🍚 Spanish Rice In Rice Cooker Recipe

This version uses pantry staples and a few fresh add-ins to create a warm, savory, and mildly spiced Spanish-style rice that’s family- and kid-friendly. It’s soft, a little tangy, and slightly toasted—just like at your favorite local Mexican restaurant.

🛒 What You’ll Need

2 cups long grain white rice (rinsed)
2 ½ cups chicken broth (or veggie broth)
½ cup tomato sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder (or ¼ cup finely chopped onion)
½ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for heat)
Optional: juice of ½ lime, fresh chopped cilantro

👩‍🍳 Pro Tips

Rinse your rice until the water runs clear—this helps it cook up fluffy, not sticky.
Use tomato sauce, not diced tomatoes, for a smoother texture and better color.
Add fresh garlic or onion if you prefer more texture and flavor.
Keep the lid closed during cooking—no peeking!
Let it sit for 5–10 minutes after cooking before fluffing.

🧰 Tools You’ll Need

Rice cooker
Measuring cups & spoons
Fine mesh strainer (for rinsing rice)
Spoon for mixing/fluffing
Citrus juicer (optional)

🔄 Substitutions & Variations

Brown rice: Use 2 ½ cups broth and increase cook time per your rice cooker
No broth? Use water + 1 bouillon cube or 1 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon
Spicy version: Add diced jalapeños or chipotle in adobo
Veggie-packed: Add peas, carrots, or corn before cooking

⏱️ Make Ahead Tips

Rice can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the fridge
Reheat with a splash of broth or water in the microwave or on the stovetop
Freezes well for up to 2 months

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Rinse the Rice

Place the rice in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear.

Step 2: Add Ingredients to Rice Cooker

Add rinsed rice, broth, tomato sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and chili powder (if using) into the rice cooker. Stir gently to combine.

tep 3: Cook

Close the lid and cook on the white rice or normal setting (about 25–30 minutes depending on your machine). Do not open the lid while cooking.

Step 4: Let It Sit

Once done, let the rice sit in the cooker for 5–10 minutes to steam fully. Then fluff with a fork.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

Stir in chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice if desired. Serve warm with tacos, burritos, grilled meats, or beans.

🧊 Leftovers & Storage

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days
Reheat with a splash of broth or water to restore moisture
Freeze in portions for up to 2 months and thaw overnight before reheating

💬 Final Thoughts

This Rice Cooker Spanish Rice is one of those side dishes that quietly steals the show. It’s so easy, so reliable, and so flavorful, it just might become your weekly go-to. 🌶️🍚

Want a version with brown rice, veggies, or one that pairs with a specific meal (like enchiladas or burrito bowls)? I’d be happy to help you customize it!